Honda Accord Sport GT

Honda Accord Sport GT

The Honda Accord scores a new i-DTEC diesel engine and an automatic transmission

If you can??™t wait to find out how well Honda??™s next-generation diesel engine performs, don??™t panic. Neither could we ??“ which is why Auto Express has driven an early prototype to see what buyers can expect.

As we reported last week, the brand??™s all-new i-DTEC oil-burner will hit the UK next year, under the bonnet of the latest Accord. And to get a taste of what buyers have to look forward to, we drove a prototype version of the drivetrain in the current saloon. And our car was even equip?*ped with an automatic gearbox ??“ a first for one of the firm??™s diesels.

The new unit represents a radical redesign of the current i-CTDi engine, with an updated cylinder head and a clever catalytic converter to cut pollution. Early impressions are promising, and it??™s estimated the powerplant will develop around 150bhp ??“ but Honda is still refining the exact output.

It even meets Euro V regulations for particulate and nitrogen oxide emissions, and the firm has hinted the car should return as much as 60mpg ??“ the trip computer of a six-speed manual prototype backed up that claim.

With more than 340Nm of torque available from 1,800rpm, the clean-revving engine is seriously responsive. The 0-60mph sprint takes just under nine seconds in the auto, and the set-up shifts quickly and smoothly.

For buyers who want greater control, a manual mode is also available, and the transmission was both swift and easy to use. Honda is still deciding whether or not to offer steering wheel-mounted paddles for an even more driver-friendly set-up. Refine?*ment is impressive and, although the engine sounds a little rougher than the production i-CTDi unit, further improve?*ments are promised as the car gets closer to the showroom. We have no doubt that Honda??™s latest diesel is sure to be another stunner.

Our only criticism is that the auto looks flawed, with only five ratios ??“ particularly when compared with the seven-speed Mercedes C-Class. But Honda says enhancements to the ride, handling and refinement of the next Accord will make up for this, and see its model comfortably knocking rivals off their perches. A bold claim indeed ??“ and on the evidence of this drive, not one we??™re prepared to dismiss.

Source: [url=http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/first_drive.php?sid=1220&page=1]CAR Magazine[/url]